A Life Experience: Like a gift card with a twist, how about a trip on a hot air balloon, a lesson at a race track, or if you’re feeling especially generous, a ride on the space shuttle, a Virgin Space reservation, or just a walk on the beach (in the Spring). (via Veteran Military Wife)

A Huge Block of Quality Cheese: Not grocery store stuff — how about a block of cave-aged gruyere, or even grass-fed cheddar. (via timgray)

Gift Subscription: Go to the bookstore, pick out a magazine they’d like, drop the gift subscription card in the mail, and wrap the magazine. Piece of cake! (via Lauea)

Most of this you can still manage if you get rocking right now. And none of these ideas are Christmas-only – keep them in mind for the next difficult birthday, anniversary, or other occasion.